Would a duron cpu operate at a lower temperature than an equivalent athlon? My Athlon 800 runs at about 47deg C but I want something arround the 35-40 mark, would an 800 duron do? Speed isn't an issue here, just temp.

Although 47 isn't really an urgent situation (a tad high for me, but thats just me ;) ), if its that important why not invest in:

a tube of Arctic Silver,
a quality cooler,
a few case fans,
and even a larger, roomier case to let more air get around?

With these items, the temp you want to achieve should be within reach. I've got a Tbird 1.2 @ 1.33 here running just a smidgin over 40 with the above equipment.

I agree with clook here and I would also purchase some rounded ide cabls too, and concentrate on getting air through the front (bottom) of the case and out at the back (top),

Althought the answer to your question is yes ( in my experience) durons do run cooler than the equivlent athlons....

I have a 700 MHz Duron, overclocked to 927.
The temperature on full load with a el-cheapo fan is 48 C.
I really do not remember the idle temp, I think it is on the low 30-s somewhere.

As above, I finally changed all my IDE cables over the weekend to round ones. Cannot believe the temp drop after that, case temp has dropped by 4 degrees C.

Not a bad investment overall really. :)

I've done most of what you suggest, decent cooler, silver compound, round ide, case fan etc. The problem seems to come from the PC being stored inside a desk/cupboard unit with poor airflow. Not much I can do about that so was looking into a cooler/slower cpu.

I have to be able to sleep with this on too, so heavy duty fans arent an option either. Might be better off using my laptop as the backup server instead.

why dony you put a few little fans in the cubord its in that might get more air into it

Could do but as I said, I have to be able to sleep in this room too, could do without the extra noise. Looks like a slower CPU will be the best bet.

Thanks guys.

get an aluminium case and ur sorted

Sounds like you need to invest in some serious water cooling - i have my duron 1.3 load temp around 34 degrees - only got 1 fan on 5v and all i can here is the HD's...

or is that a bit over the top...

How much would that set me back?

Hi, to be honest it's quite expensive (there are various kits commercially available), i made all of mine, apart from the radiator and fan, and so saved a lot of cash.

Watercooling is a bit overkill for a Duron, I think.
It will be very quiet though.

Still, I think watercooling is for the guys running their P4 on 3.2 GHz and such.....:)

i did mention it's probably overkill - but he did say he wants quiet....

i simply went for water cooling for 2 reasons 1, the noise from my machine was unbearable, and 2, i have it in a very hot room (i keep reptiles that require ambient temps of 30 degrees) and so WC'ing was my best option.

lots of people water cool athlons and durons, admitted they are all overclocked.....